Caterpillar, Inc

Associate Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$81K — $122K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum (Mechanical, Agricultural, Applied Mechanics preferred)
  • Knowledge of standard operating procedures and ability to evaluate operational efficiency
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems
  • Familiarity with product testing techniques, including data analysis
  • Experience with design for manufacturability and project planning
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Prior experience in test and product development is preferred

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and instrument components for lab tests to gather required data
  • Develop and execute lab tests to evaluate new drivetrain products or processes
  • Analyze test data and maintain relevant databases
  • Document and communicate test outcomes and recommendations effectively
  • Support teams in New Technology and Product Introduction processes
  • Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory test equipment and procedures
  • Contribute to design and validation of new drivetrain systems

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division (IDES) is seeking an Associate Engineer who validates products and processes for our Power Controls Components - Driveline, Friction, Clutch, and Brake Systems organization. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our component and systems development laboratory in Mossville, Illinois to support validating and accelerate introduction of new designs, technologies, processes, and virtual product development methods.

What you will do
  • Pre-test preparation, inspection, and instrumentation of components to collect desired data
  • Lab test development and execution to evaluate new products, processes, or systems
  • Analysis of test data and database maintenance
  • Document and communicate test results and recommendations to customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units
  • Contribute to the design, development, and validation of new Drivetrain transmissions, brakes, and controls systems
  • Support New Technology Introduction (NTI), New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) teams
  • Perform test equipment and procedure maintenance activities
  • Contribute to matters regarding Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD) and Rapid Root Cause and Corrective Actions
  • Contribute to enhancing product quality and manufacturing efficiency by collaborating with internal and external suppliers and other business units
  • Develop standard operating procedures and safe job procedures to support laboratory test development and execution


Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably Mechanical, Agricultural, Applied Mechanics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Metallurgical Engineering.


Skills you must have
  • Information Capture: Knowledge of the methods, channels and processes to obtain needed information; ability to identify, capture and document relevant business information in an auditable, organized, understandable and easily retrievable manner.
  • Standard Operating Procedures: Knowledge of established standard operating procedures (SOP); ability to design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures affecting daily and strategic business operations in order to increase operational efficiency.
  • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Knowledge of design for manufacturability guidelines, methodologies, and use cases; ability to use this knowledge to optimize product designs and manufacturing operations.
  • Engineering - Manufacturing: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
  • Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.


Top candidates will have
  • Prior test and product development experience
  • Strong communication skills, verbal and written, complemented by the ability to develop and deliver technical presentations
  • Ability to collect and efficiently organize detailed information
  • Strong computer and data analysis skills
  • Test, data collection, and analysis capabilities using PLC controls, DATK, Matlab, CAN interface tools, spreadsheet & analytics tools.
  • Transmission or brake design or development experience
  • Understanding of Caterpillar engineering drawings
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Debugging and maintaining test and instrumentation equipment
  • Inspection and measurement system capability
  • Advanced Failure Analysis understanding
  • Design for Experiment understanding
  • Project planning and costing
  • High personal and professional ethics- Must be a self-starter that requires minimal supervision, anticipates issues, and takes appropriate action.
  • The ability to work or lead multiple projects simultaneously and to make sound priority decisions


Additional Information
  • This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 09/09/2026.
  • This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in Mossville, IL (Technical Center - Building E) to support laboratory testing and project reviews
  • Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position
  • Sponsorship is NOT available
  • This position may require less than 10% travel


Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

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Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement


* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:
August 26, 2026 - September 9, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

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About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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